Placing an obituary in the St. Paul Pioneer Press E-Edition requires a straightforward process, primarily conducted via email. For those wishing to announce the passing of a loved one, understanding the submission guidelines is crucial. This guide outlines everything you need to know to place an obituary, ensuring a respectful and timely announcement in the Pioneer Press.
Essential Information for Obituary Submission
To begin the process, compile the following general information. This will be needed when you email your obituary request to [email protected]. Remember, currently, there is no online submission portal available through the website.
- Your Full Name
- Address: Including City, State, and Zip Code
- Phone Number
- Alternate Phone Number: If available
This contact information ensures the Pioneer Press can reach you for any clarifications or to send a proof of the obituary before publication.
Obituary Specifications: Crafting Your Announcement
The core of your submission is the obituary specification. Here’s what you need to prepare:
- Name of Deceased: Full name of the person who has passed away.
- Obituary Text: The written content of the obituary. This should be carefully written and proofread before submission.
- Photo: A JPEG or PDF file is preferred for photographs. TIF and other file formats are also accepted, but you may be contacted if there are issues with the photo file.
- Ad Run Dates: Specify the dates you want the obituary to appear in the St. Paul Pioneer Press E-Edition. Note that running the obituary for multiple days may qualify for a discount, which needs to be scheduled at the time of the first run date. If a photo is used, it must run for all scheduled days to qualify for a discount. Contact the obituary desk for detailed pricing and discount information.
Verification Policies: Ensuring Authenticity
The St. Paul Pioneer Press has specific policies to verify the authenticity of obituary submissions.
Verification of Death
To publish an obituary, the Pioneer Press requires verification of death. This is typically done by providing the name and phone number of the funeral home or cremation society handling the arrangements. The Pioneer Press obituary desk will contact them during business hours to verify the passing. If the deceased has donated their body to a program like the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program, their contact number is also acceptable for verification purposes.
Alternatively, a death certificate is also accepted as proof of death. Only one of these verification methods is necessary. It’s important to allow sufficient time for verification, especially during weekend hours when funeral homes may have limited availability.
Guidelines on Guestbooks and External Websites
The Pioneer Press does not allow references to external media sources that host guestbooks or obituaries. However, you can include the website of the funeral home or a family email address for contact within the obituary text. If you have questions about this policy, it’s best to contact the obituary desk directly for clarification.
The Obituary Submission Process: From Submission to Publication
Understanding the process ensures a smooth experience when placing an obituary in the St. Paul Pioneer Press E-Edition.
Step-by-Step Process
Once you have submitted all the required information, the Pioneer Press will email or fax a proof of the obituary for your review before it is published. This proof will include the cost and the scheduled publication dates.
It is crucial to review this proof very carefully. Any errors or changes must be communicated to the Pioneer Press before the publication deadline for each day’s edition. The newspaper is not responsible for errors that appear after final proofing and approval.
Online Amendments
For any changes to an obituary that is already published online in the E-Edition, you should contact the obituary desk directly via phone. They can assist with any necessary modifications.
Payment Procedures and Rates for Obituaries
Pre-payment is mandatory for all obituary notices before they are published. Payment must be made by the deadline specified in the deadline schedule. After you receive and approve the proof, call 651-228-5263 with your payment information.
Payment Methods
- Credit Card: Payments are accepted over the phone only, adhering to PCI (Payment Card Industry) regulations for security.
- EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer): You can pay by providing your routing number and account number over the phone, essentially a check by phone.
- Cash: Cash payments are accepted at the Pioneer Press front counter, Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
Obituary Rates
Understanding the rate structure is important for budgeting.
- Minimum Charge: The minimum charge is $162 for an obituary up to 10 lines.
- Cost Per Line: For obituaries longer than 10 lines, each additional line is $12.20. If the obituary is under 10 lines, the minimum charge of $162 still applies.
- Second Run Date Discount: For obituaries running for a second day, the rate is $8.20 per line, starting from the first line. For instance, a 20-line obituary on the first day would cost $164.
- Photo Charges: Each photo published costs $125 per day. For example, using two photos in the obituary for two days would incur four photo charges, totaling $500.
Publication Deadlines: Ensuring Timely Appearance
Adhering to deadlines is critical to ensure your obituary is published on the requested day in the St. Paul Pioneer Press E-Edition.
| Hours | Deadline (No Exceptions) | Ad | Photos |
|---|---|---|---|
| MONDAY – FRIDAY 9:00AM – 5:00 PM | Next Day Publication | Must receive obituary content and payment same day by 4:30PM; Make changes by 5:00PM | Must receive photo(s) by 4:30PM |
| SATURDAYS 10:00AM – 2:00PM | Sunday Publication | Must receive obituary content and payment same day by 1:30PM; Make changes by 2:00PM | Must receive photo(s) by 1:30PM |
| SUNDAYS 12:00PM – 3:00PM | Monday Publication | Must receive obituary content, payment, and final changes same day by 2:30PM | Must receive photo(s) by 2:30PM |
Memoriam Submissions: Remembering Loved Ones
In addition to obituaries, the St. Paul Pioneer Press E-Edition also accepts Memoriam submissions. These are remembrances for loved ones who have passed but are not formal obituaries. The rates and submission process for memoriams are different from obituaries.
For more information on memoriam submissions, please call 651-228-5280 or email [email protected]. The memoriam desk is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and closed on weekends and holidays.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively submit an obituary to the St. Paul Pioneer Press E-Edition, ensuring your announcement is handled professionally and appears as requested. For any further assistance, do not hesitate to contact their dedicated obituary and memoriam desks.
